Foundation of Dreams, in Evan Chambers’ Name

(Photo by MiLB.com)

The Indianapolis Indians are making this Saturday’s game as much about events off the field, as the actual game taking place on the diamond. During the evening’s contest, your Tribe will recognize and honor Evan Chambers – a ballplayer in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization who passed away last December – by hosting a special, silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Foundation of Dreams, in Evan’s name. Fans can help raise funds for the Foundation of Dreams by bidding on the following items:

One (1) jersey signed by all-time Indians great and current Pittsburgh Pirates standout Pedro Alvarez

One (1) jersey signed by all-time Indians great and current Pittsburgh Pirates standout Starling Marte

Chambers was born in Miami, Fla., where he was a standout outfielder at Lakeland High School. He was drafted by the Bucs in the 3rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft and played five seasons in the Pirates’ organization prior to his tragic passing.

Chambers touched both the lives and careers of many players who have donned an Indians jersey over the past several years, as the 24-year-old shared a clubhouse with organizational teammates with the State College Spikes (2009, New York-Penn League), West Virginia Power (2010, South Atlantic League), Bradenton Marauders (2011-12, Florida State League), Altoona Curve (2012, Eastern League) and most recently the GCL Pirates (2013, Gulf Coast League). In 395 career minor league games, the young talent batted .227 with 29 home runs, 158 RBI and 73 stolen bases.

At the time of Chambers’ passing, Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington issued a heartfelt statement:

“All of us at the Pittsburgh Pirates are shocked and saddened by Evan’s sudden passing in his sleep this past weekend,” Huntington said. “Beyond being just a talented ballplayer, Evan was a great teammate and a quiet leader who went about his craft as a professional everyday. Off the field, Evan loved making a difference in the community, and often dedicated a lot of his time working with children in the communities in which he played. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to his family for this unimaginable loss. He was far too young. He will be missed.”

Upon hearing the tragic news, several Pirates and Indians players expressed their condolences on Twitter, including former Indians outfielder and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and two-time IL All-star and current Tribe backstop Tony Sanchez.

This is a tough pill to swallow. You are gone too soon.. Evan Chambers, u will be missed bro. I know ur w/ God now pic.twitter.com/evoElUbH77